Possible Gas Leak Causes Delays in Bethesda

Police and fire personnel have shut down a three-block area along Waverly Street near the Bethesda-Chevy Chase border while they investigate a possible gas leak.

Officials say drivers should expect major traffic delays for the next few hours near downtown Bethesda.

Fire dispatchers received a call about 2:20 p.m. of a strong odor coming from a construction site on the 7300 block of Waverly Street. At the scene, firefighters determined it was a possible gas leak caused when a construction crew excavating soil ruptured a 2-inch gas line, said Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Capt. Oscar Garcia.

No one was injured, Garcia said, but public safety personnel have blocked off the area between Waverly Street, Wisconsin Avenue, Montgomery Avenue and East-West Highway.

About 50 people have evacuated some of the high-rises near the construction site, but others have been allowed to stay in their buildings during the investigation. Officials don't believe the leak is dangerous, Garcia said.